Why do we celebrate Veterans Day? Anyone could easily give the generic answer — because these individuals served our country — and that would be true enough.

But have you ever really stopped and taken the time to realize just how much these people sacrificed? Barely out of high school, these heroes took unimaginable risks to protect not only American interests, but the interests of the oppressed in other countries; sometimes even without the gratitude of the American people.

We celebrate Veterans Day because as long as there are heroes to stand against the evils of the world, there will be us, the people, to remember and honor what they have done.

So rarely do we pause to think about how much veterans have truly sacrificed for the American cause. We tend to picture veterans as older men and women, overlooking the fact that many were most likely drafted right out of high school.

How would you feel if instead of going to college, you were going to Korea where there was a great chance you would never be coming home? How would you feel saying good-bye to your mom and dad, knowing it might be forever?

Bearing this in mind makes it easy to appreciate what these people have done not only for us, but for the world.

Another reason we celebrate Veterans Day is to show simple gratitude. This may seem like a no-brainer at first, but there have been times in American history where this thankfulness has been missing.

In the Vietnam War, veterans were not only shown very little or no respect for their service, but in some cases even booed for it. Even if one does not agree with the reasons for a war, the fact is people still fight and die so we have the freedom to complain. We must continue to uphold Veterans Day so the services of our veterans will never be taken lightly.

One more reason we commemorate veterans is because of their service not only to Americans, but also to those from other countries who are oppressed by their leaders. Veterans are not just fighting machines. In service to our country, they also act as ambassadors in the countries where they are stationed. They work to spread American good will to those in need.

In conclusion, we celebrate Veterans Day to show soldiers our gratitude for their commitment, to remember their sacrifices, and because of what they do not just for Americans, but for all people of the world.

These people are more than just veterans. They are heroes, champions of the American cause. So next time you meet a veteran, let him or her know how much you appreciate what they have done for this country. Let them know that you know why we celebrate Veterans Day.

Page 2 of 2 - Matt Henley, a student at Oliver Springs High School, was the high school essay contest winner. He read his essay Nov. 8 during a Veterans Day observance at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Visitors Center.